New London homeless shelter to double capacity to 50 beds for winter

New London — The City Council passed an emergency measure Tuesday that will allow the homeless shelter to expand from 25 beds to 50 for the upcoming winter months.

Cathy Zall, executive director of the Homeless Hospitality Center, had asked the council last week for the expansion, which would be effective Nov. 1 to April 30.

The Planning & Zoning Commission gave the shelter approval in 2011 for 25 beds at its new location outside the business district. But Zall said last week that 50 beds would be needed. The shelter is moving out of St. James Episcopal Church, where there are 50 beds, into a renovated former church on State Pier Road.